Direct Drive TT...vintage era....sleepers....

+1 for the Kenwood KD-500.

*3 for the JVC QL-7. Demonstrably better than the equivalent Technics or Denon.

Shortly after the original date for this thread, there was an early introduction to to Materials that can be used within the parameters of Audio Equipment, which have inherent properties that are seen to be very much wanted in relation to Dissipation and Damping of Transferred Energies.

Today the Materials referred to above, that are produced by a process where a  Resin Impregnated Densified Wood is the end product and which are supplied as a Brand Name, such as, Permali or Panzerholz (but not limited to) are proving to be a material that enables a DD TT, and other drive TT's to raise the level of performance that can be produced.

I am very familiar with these material types used on DD TT's and utilised for other purposes and the perception of betterment from it being in use is audible. 

For those looking to eek extra from their Vintage TT's, where the exchange of a Plinth is not too complex, I highly recommend the additional investment.

An individual does not have to go to a too great a expense to make this happen.     

Yuk to all of them. You are much better off looking for a decent belt drive table, even an LP 12 which everyone knows I dislike. 

Hilarious input…. funny that a certain VERY highly thought of cartridge manufacturer in Japan utilize a Denon motor on a PBN Audio plinth….

I prefer the DP-75 and 80 and Peter rebuilds both for reasonable $. Add isolation and you likely have a fantastic high end TT at affordable $.

have fun, enjoy the music and the journey…..

@Mr Tweezer says "YUK".

Note: All three common types of Drives for a TT, are all equally capable of creating a replay, where the users who adopt the drive method are making it known they are quite satisfied with sonic being produced.

I own all three drive methods myself and have very enjoyable musical encounters when either is in use. I have come to the place today where I use one drive type more than another, but do not show prejudice toward either. 

I am aware certain Belt Drive TT's from commercial entities today are utilising a  Resin Impregnated Densified Wood, Panzerholz can be discovered in use as a critical material to create a design for a functioning TT.

Recently Linn has made it known of their usage of Panzerholz on their recently announced £50K TT. 

Panzerholz if proving not too difficult to utilised, has a place to be used on a Vintage TT, that will surpass the earlier materials used.